Playing the “if” game at GSU

While the Georgia Southern Eagles don’t like to look ahead, that doesn’t mean the media can’t.

There are three games left in the regular season and here’s how the postseason could shake out for GSU.

If the Eagles win their next two games (The Citadel and Wofford), they gain at least a share of the Southern Conference. championship, but wouldn’t get the league’s automatic bid to the playoffs if Appalachian State continues to win.

Most likely, GSU would be ranked no lower than sixth in the national polls and the FCS playoff committee probably would give the Eagles an opening-round bye.

Barring upsets, the Eagles could be home for the Sweet Sixteen (with a strong financial bid for the game), but would be traveling in the quarterfinals and semifinals if seedings held up.

The FCS playoff committee ranks four teams at the start of the playoffs and those teams would get home-field advantage in matchups (as long as they put up a minimum bid for the game) against unranked teams.

GSU could be looking at a game in a cold weather spot like Maine or maybe a rematch with Appalachian State in the quarterfinals. Undefeated Sam Houston State could be a destination for the semifinals.

The championship game is already scheduled for Jan. 7 in Frisco, Texas – a suburb of Dallas.

If GSU beats The Citadel and loses to Wofford, the Eagles would probably still make the 20-team playoff field but would be playing in the opening round -- most likely at home.

Lose to The Citadel and beat Wofford, GSU could still slip into the top 12 and get an opening-round bye.

If the Eagles beat Alabama in the regular-season finale, well, that another set of ifs.